Audience is the most important factor to consider when creating content. And why not? They are the ones who'll contribute the most to growing your blog.
You can get your audience's attention in many ways. One way to do this is by using community-driven content.
Community-driven content is when you pull information from your audience and use it as the basis for your content. You can do this in several ways, which can be a great way to engage with your readers.
In this blog post, we'll explore some of those benefits and how you can go about driving community-driven content to grow your blog. We'll discover how your followers and customers can feel more invested in your brand while providing fresh and relevant content.
So, let's get started!
What is Community-Driven Content Exactly?
It's a term that gets thrown around a lot, but it's pretty simple. It's content created by, for, and with the help of a community. In other words, it's the type of content that comes from the people using it.
There are a few different ways to go about creating community-driven content. One is to crowdsource ideas from your audience. You can do this through surveys, social media, or even casual conversations.
Another way to create community-driven content involves applying your audience in the creation process. It could mean having them contribute directly to the content or simply weighing in on decisions about what should be included. Either way, the goal is to create something that reflects the needs and interests of your community.
Why Bother With Community-Driven Content?
For starters, it helps ensure that your content is valuable and relevant to your audience. But beyond that, involving your community in the creation process can help foster a sense of ownership and connection.
When people feel like they have a stake in something, they're more likely to use and appreciate it. So if you want to create content that will make a difference for your community, community-driven content is the way to go.
5 Ways To Grow Your Blog By Driving Community-Driven Content
There's no question that content is key to a successful online presence. But how do you ensure that your content is community-driven? Here are five tips to get you started:
1. Identify What Your Community Wants and Give It To Them
The first step is to understand what your community wants. You can do this in several ways, including surveys, polls, and forums. Once you know what they want, you can start creating content that meets their needs.
If you're unsure where to start, try looking at some popular blogs in your industry and see what kind of content they're producing. You can also look at social media platforms like Twitter and LinkedIn to see what people are talking about.
Once you know the type of content your community wants, it's time to start creating it.
Here are some community-driven content ideas to get you started:
- How-to guides
- Industry news
- Interviews with community members
- Case studies
- Tips and tricks
Remember, the goal is to create content that your community will find valuable. If you're not sure where to start, just ask directly!
2. Share User-Generated Content Whenever Possible
Another great way to create community-driven content is to share user-generated content whenever possible. This can be anything from blog posts and articles to social media posts and reviews.
Not only does this show that you're listening to your community, but it also helps build trust and credibility. When you share user-generated content, give credit to the original author.
Here are some ideas for user-generated content:
- Social media posts
- Blog posts and articles
- Reviews and feedbacks
- Testimonials
3. Hold Contests and Giveaways That Encourage Users to Participate
One of the best ways to community-driven content is to hold contests and giveaways that encourage users to participate. This is a great way to get people involved and engaged with your brand.
Make sure to promote your contest or giveaway across your channels, and be clear about what you're looking for. For example, if you're specifically looking for social media posts, include that in your contest rules.
Here are some ideas for contests and giveaways:
- Social media posts
- Sharing interesting videos
- Tagging on photos
- Writing reviews or suggestions
- Lucky draws
4. Respond to Comments and Feedback From Community Members
Responding to comments and feedback from your community members through your content is vital. This shows that you listen and care about what your community says.
Ensure responding to both positive and negative feedback on time. If you're unsure how to respond, try asking a question or thank the person for their input.
Here are some ideas for responding to comments and feedback:
- Thank the person for their input
- Ask a question
- Address the concern directly
- Share additional information
Don't forget that community-driven content is about understanding your community and fulfilling their expectations.
5. Appreciate Contributors To Your Website Or Social Media Pages
Make sure you create content to show appreciation for those who contribute to your website or social media pages. These folks are your advocates, your promotors, your true fans who'll stand by you. You need to appreciate them whenever there is an opportunity to do the same.
This can be anything from a simple thank-you message to featuring their content on your page. This helps build trust and credibility, showing that you're willing to invest in your community.
Here are some ideas for showing appreciation:
- Thank-you messages
- Featuring them on your website or social media pages
- Special discounts or coupons
Conclusion
Though there are many ways to grow your blog, but creating community-driven content is one of the best. It's a great way to connect with your audience and show them that you're listening. But how can you create this type of content for your community?
Using one or more of the five methods outlined in this blog can encourage users to share their thoughts, ideas, and experiences with your brand. And when it comes to community-driven content, the more participatory and interactive, you make it, the better.
So get started today and thank those who have helped contribute to your website or social media pages.
